By Subhash K. Jha, December 26, 2008 - 12:03 IST
Saif Ali Khan was back in hospital for the third time in less than three years. The first time it happened in Kuala Lumpur in March 2006 when Saif had to undergo an emergency appendectomy.
The second and far more serious health scare occurred in February 2007 when Saif was rushed to Lilavati hospital in Mumbai for a suspected heart attack.
All was well after that, with Saif leading a healthy and balanced professional and personal life.
However, on Thursday he was back in the hospital for a suspected food poisoning. Said his girlfriend Kareena Kapoor, "He is all right. He got a stomach infection due to some thing he ate that didn't suit him. He'll be discharged from hospital in 2-3 days."
Adds Saif's mom Sharmila Tagore, "He ate bhelpuri that caused a problem. He's in some discomfort. Otherwise he's okay."
Incidentally, Saif and Kareena were supposed to leave for their week-long New Year vacation after Christmas. At the moment it stands postponed.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Is Victory based on M.S. Dhoni's real life success story?
By Bollywood Hungama News Network, December 26, 2008 - 17:43 IST
After his debut in Love Story 2050, Harman Baweja is all set to make a comeback with his latest Victory. The film, which is being directed by Ajitpal Mangat, is based on cricket and has some real big names from the cricketing world like Brett Lee, Simon Katich, Harbhajan Singh, Sohail Tanvir, Graeme Smith, Chaminda Vaas and Muralitharan making an appearance.
Victory is about a small town boy, who like millions of others, dreams of making it big in the world of cricket and actually does go all the way. The buzz doing the rounds is that the film's story is inspired by the real life success story of India Captain M.S.Dhoni. It is well known fact that Dhoni, who is a household name today, was just another ordinary lad from Jharkhand with dreams in his eyes few years ago.
Bollywood Hungama decided to probe a little more into this and when we got in touch with a reliable source from Mr. Mangat's office, he said, "I cannot comment on this right now. You will have to wait for the right time till we are ready to disclose such information." If sources are to be believed the film also has references to the real life success stories of players like Yuvraj Singh and Virender Sehwag.
We tried getting in touch with Harman too but he was unavailable for comment. One will have to wait and watch if Victory is indeed based on the life M.S. Dhoni.
After his debut in Love Story 2050, Harman Baweja is all set to make a comeback with his latest Victory. The film, which is being directed by Ajitpal Mangat, is based on cricket and has some real big names from the cricketing world like Brett Lee, Simon Katich, Harbhajan Singh, Sohail Tanvir, Graeme Smith, Chaminda Vaas and Muralitharan making an appearance.
Victory is about a small town boy, who like millions of others, dreams of making it big in the world of cricket and actually does go all the way. The buzz doing the rounds is that the film's story is inspired by the real life success story of India Captain M.S.Dhoni. It is well known fact that Dhoni, who is a household name today, was just another ordinary lad from Jharkhand with dreams in his eyes few years ago.
Bollywood Hungama decided to probe a little more into this and when we got in touch with a reliable source from Mr. Mangat's office, he said, "I cannot comment on this right now. You will have to wait for the right time till we are ready to disclose such information." If sources are to be believed the film also has references to the real life success stories of players like Yuvraj Singh and Virender Sehwag.
We tried getting in touch with Harman too but he was unavailable for comment. One will have to wait and watch if Victory is indeed based on the life M.S. Dhoni.
"I'm going to be fine tomorrow; the holiday with Kareena is on" - Saif
By Subhash K. Jha, December 26, 2008 - 18:29 IST
Saif Ali Khan gave all his family and friends a scare when he was hospitalized on Christmas Eve. But today (December 26), he is well on his way to recovery.
Speaking from his hospital bed at Mumbai's Lilavati hospital, Saif said, "I've almost recovered now. I'm going home tomorrow (Dec 27). It was nothing, really. I returned from Philadelphia from the shooting of Rensil D'Silva's film on 23rd night. And since I was missing all the Mumbai ka khana, I gorged indiscriminately on local junk food- Sev puri, bhelpuri, paani puri...puri ki puri fauj went into my stomach."
So wasn't he frightened when his stomach started acting up on him? "Not at all. It was gastroenteritis. Yes, I've been in hospital twice in the recent past. Once it was just appendicitis. And the other time it was far more serious. After going through what I did the last time I'm hardly going to get scared by a little stomach infection."
Chuckles Saif, "Actually it's much less scary than it looks. I've got a drip coming out of my hand, so that makes it look kind of serious. But it's nothing. I'm fine. Just a little sleepy. In fact, Kareena and I are going on our holiday to the mountains as planned."
Saif Ali Khan gave all his family and friends a scare when he was hospitalized on Christmas Eve. But today (December 26), he is well on his way to recovery.
Speaking from his hospital bed at Mumbai's Lilavati hospital, Saif said, "I've almost recovered now. I'm going home tomorrow (Dec 27). It was nothing, really. I returned from Philadelphia from the shooting of Rensil D'Silva's film on 23rd night. And since I was missing all the Mumbai ka khana, I gorged indiscriminately on local junk food- Sev puri, bhelpuri, paani puri...puri ki puri fauj went into my stomach."
So wasn't he frightened when his stomach started acting up on him? "Not at all. It was gastroenteritis. Yes, I've been in hospital twice in the recent past. Once it was just appendicitis. And the other time it was far more serious. After going through what I did the last time I'm hardly going to get scared by a little stomach infection."
Chuckles Saif, "Actually it's much less scary than it looks. I've got a drip coming out of my hand, so that makes it look kind of serious. But it's nothing. I'm fine. Just a little sleepy. In fact, Kareena and I are going on our holiday to the mountains as planned."
Akshay-Kareena starrer Kambakht Ishq slated to release in May 2009
By Bollywood Hungama News Network, December 26, 2008 - 18:15 IST
Akshay Kumar ruled the B.O. last year (2007) with several back to back hits. This year, while his film Tashan, sank without a trace, Singh Is Kinng emerged as one of the biggest blockbusters of the year, thereby pronouncing him as the ‘Kinng’ of the Box-Office.
Now next year, Akki fans would get to see him in Sajid Nadiadwala's Kambakht Ishq, which many insiders believe would be the biggest film of 2009. The film has been slated to release on May 29, 2009. Kambakht Ishq has been in the news for a while now, especially because of the pairing of Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor. Among the highlights of the film is the presence of Hollywood heavyweights such as Sylvester Stallone, Brandon Routh and Denise Richards.
The film directed by debutante director Sabir Khan has been shot at some extravagant locations across Europe and the buzz among the industry experts and the aam janta towards the film has been quite phenomenal. Now with Kambakht Ishq been scheduled to release on May 29, expect things to get all the more hotter next summer.
Akshay Kumar ruled the B.O. last year (2007) with several back to back hits. This year, while his film Tashan, sank without a trace, Singh Is Kinng emerged as one of the biggest blockbusters of the year, thereby pronouncing him as the ‘Kinng’ of the Box-Office.
Now next year, Akki fans would get to see him in Sajid Nadiadwala's Kambakht Ishq, which many insiders believe would be the biggest film of 2009. The film has been slated to release on May 29, 2009. Kambakht Ishq has been in the news for a while now, especially because of the pairing of Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor. Among the highlights of the film is the presence of Hollywood heavyweights such as Sylvester Stallone, Brandon Routh and Denise Richards.
The film directed by debutante director Sabir Khan has been shot at some extravagant locations across Europe and the buzz among the industry experts and the aam janta towards the film has been quite phenomenal. Now with Kambakht Ishq been scheduled to release on May 29, expect things to get all the more hotter next summer.
Wishing Salman Khan a very Happy Birthday
By Bollywood Hungama News Network, December 27, 2008 - 09:48 IST
Known as the man with a golden heat, yet with a hint of bad anger, he has wooed Bollywood for over two decades he has today turned 43.
With his latest interest in the expressive art form of painting he has quite literally managed to paint not just the town but entire Bollywood red and all shades of colours. The birthday boy for today as you may have already guesses is none other than Salman Khan.
Starting his career with Biwi Ho To Aisi in '88, Salman soon became the heartthrob of the nation. With his youthful looks and his well toned body he had directors lining up at his doors. Not long after he was at pinnacle of Bollywood and touted as the best, most watched loved and adored celebrity.
Sallu as he is fondly known is even today regarded as one bright star shining forth for friends and foe alike, keeping differences apart and helping when most needed. Though he has been embroiled with a multitude of controversies the golden heart boy has managed to surmount them with ease and emerge victorious.
Join Bollywood Hungama in wishing the loved to be talked about actor Salman Khan a very happy Birthday, simply by posting your wishes below:
Known as the man with a golden heat, yet with a hint of bad anger, he has wooed Bollywood for over two decades he has today turned 43.
With his latest interest in the expressive art form of painting he has quite literally managed to paint not just the town but entire Bollywood red and all shades of colours. The birthday boy for today as you may have already guesses is none other than Salman Khan.
Starting his career with Biwi Ho To Aisi in '88, Salman soon became the heartthrob of the nation. With his youthful looks and his well toned body he had directors lining up at his doors. Not long after he was at pinnacle of Bollywood and touted as the best, most watched loved and adored celebrity.
Sallu as he is fondly known is even today regarded as one bright star shining forth for friends and foe alike, keeping differences apart and helping when most needed. Though he has been embroiled with a multitude of controversies the golden heart boy has managed to surmount them with ease and emerge victorious.
Join Bollywood Hungama in wishing the loved to be talked about actor Salman Khan a very happy Birthday, simply by posting your wishes below:
B.O. update: 'Ghajini' sets new records, collects Rs. 20 cr. in 2 days
- By Taran Adarsh, December 27, 2008 - 10:48 IST
GHAJINI is smashing all previous records. The film is emerging the biggest opener of all times, grossing a whopping approx. Rs. 20 cr. nett in its first two days. The film collected approx. Rs. 1.6 cr. nett in paid previews [on Wednesday], approx. Rs. 8.25 cr. nett on limited screens and shows [on Thursday] and approx. Rs. 10.15 cr. nett [on Friday], according to its all-India distributors Studio 18. The collections are simply earth-shattering.
"At the rate the film is performing, the film is expected to smash all previous opening weekend records in India by unheard of, unimaginable, never dreamt of margins," Studio 18's Aman Gill says, "The nett collections by the end of Sunday night should be in the range of Rs. 42 cr. to Rs. 45 cr., which is 75% higher than the biggest opener of this year, SINGH IS KINNG."
GHAJINI is smashing all previous records. The film is emerging the biggest opener of all times, grossing a whopping approx. Rs. 20 cr. nett in its first two days. The film collected approx. Rs. 1.6 cr. nett in paid previews [on Wednesday], approx. Rs. 8.25 cr. nett on limited screens and shows [on Thursday] and approx. Rs. 10.15 cr. nett [on Friday], according to its all-India distributors Studio 18. The collections are simply earth-shattering.
"At the rate the film is performing, the film is expected to smash all previous opening weekend records in India by unheard of, unimaginable, never dreamt of margins," Studio 18's Aman Gill says, "The nett collections by the end of Sunday night should be in the range of Rs. 42 cr. to Rs. 45 cr., which is 75% higher than the biggest opener of this year, SINGH IS KINNG."
"Jumbo has elements that Lion King had" - Lara Dutta
By Bollywood Hungama News Network, December 27, 2008 - 13:06 IST
Download image as wallpaper
This Christmas 'Every thing's gonna be alright', and that's exactly what the film Jumbo says. Bollywood Hungama caught up with the gorgeous Lara Dutta who has lent her voice to the melodious character of Sonia in the film. In a free-wheeling chat Lara talks about her experience dubbing for this animated flick.
For the first time you will be giving voiceover for an animated film in Bollywood. How did you think of this, all of a sudden?
Akshay is a very good friend... I remember it was when we were shooting an action sequence in Phuket for the film Blue that he offered me Jumbo. He told me that it is a very sweet film and he would love to have me play a part in it. I also felt it was a lovely film and immediately signed it. I have always been fond of watching animation films, so to be part of an animation film got me really excited.
I remember it was when we were shooting an action sequence in Phuket for the film Blue that Akshay offered me Jumbo
So you agreed to lend your voice for the film because of Akshay?
Yes... but then that is just one of the factors. Akshay and I have done many films. He is a fantastic co star and a dear friend. It is always my pleasure to work with him. However, like I said I was thrilled to be part of an animation film. And Jumbo is a very sweet film.
What is your character in the film? Do you think your voice suited the character?
The cute pink elephant is me (Smiles) I play Jumbo's love interest. Her name is Sonia. I was required to sound very melodious so I had to ensure that I got it right. It was fun and I have given my best. Hope the audience feels that my voice has suited the character.
I play Jumbo's love interest. Her name is Sonia. I was required to sound very melodious so I had to ensure that I got it right.
Which is more difficult? Acting or giving voice to an animated character?
Well, it is difficult to give voice to an animated character. But then, there are two sides to it. The difficult part is that since you haven't shot for it, you have to understand the emotions that the character is supposed to go through. That is a challenge. But on the positive side you can interpret it in many ways... it allows you to be creative. You don't need to talk in an exaggerated manner. You just have to understand the graph of your character and speak accordingly.
Jumbo is basically about family and its values, how much do you agree with this?
Yes... a lot. The film is high on family values. The story is about a baby elephant who longs for his father and how he leaves his herd and embarks upon a journey in search of his father. I was very touched with the storyline.
The story is about a baby elephant who longs for his father and how he leaves his herd and embarks upon a journey in search of his father.
Which other animated films have you seen and liked the best?
I love Lion King... In fact Jumbo has elements that Lion King had.
Is the film targeting kids only?
No... It is for everyone. You are never too old for animation movies. Jumbo isn't a mindless film. It has a definite storyline and a moral to the story which the audience will like. But yes... I'm doing this film completely for my kiddie audience.
Apart from Jumbo... what else do you have in the pipeline?
There's Blue with Akshay Kumar and Sanjay Dutt, then there is Billu Barber with Irrfan Khan and Shahrukh
Download image as wallpaper
This Christmas 'Every thing's gonna be alright', and that's exactly what the film Jumbo says. Bollywood Hungama caught up with the gorgeous Lara Dutta who has lent her voice to the melodious character of Sonia in the film. In a free-wheeling chat Lara talks about her experience dubbing for this animated flick.
For the first time you will be giving voiceover for an animated film in Bollywood. How did you think of this, all of a sudden?
Akshay is a very good friend... I remember it was when we were shooting an action sequence in Phuket for the film Blue that he offered me Jumbo. He told me that it is a very sweet film and he would love to have me play a part in it. I also felt it was a lovely film and immediately signed it. I have always been fond of watching animation films, so to be part of an animation film got me really excited.
I remember it was when we were shooting an action sequence in Phuket for the film Blue that Akshay offered me Jumbo
So you agreed to lend your voice for the film because of Akshay?
Yes... but then that is just one of the factors. Akshay and I have done many films. He is a fantastic co star and a dear friend. It is always my pleasure to work with him. However, like I said I was thrilled to be part of an animation film. And Jumbo is a very sweet film.
What is your character in the film? Do you think your voice suited the character?
The cute pink elephant is me (Smiles) I play Jumbo's love interest. Her name is Sonia. I was required to sound very melodious so I had to ensure that I got it right. It was fun and I have given my best. Hope the audience feels that my voice has suited the character.
I play Jumbo's love interest. Her name is Sonia. I was required to sound very melodious so I had to ensure that I got it right.
Which is more difficult? Acting or giving voice to an animated character?
Well, it is difficult to give voice to an animated character. But then, there are two sides to it. The difficult part is that since you haven't shot for it, you have to understand the emotions that the character is supposed to go through. That is a challenge. But on the positive side you can interpret it in many ways... it allows you to be creative. You don't need to talk in an exaggerated manner. You just have to understand the graph of your character and speak accordingly.
Jumbo is basically about family and its values, how much do you agree with this?
Yes... a lot. The film is high on family values. The story is about a baby elephant who longs for his father and how he leaves his herd and embarks upon a journey in search of his father. I was very touched with the storyline.
The story is about a baby elephant who longs for his father and how he leaves his herd and embarks upon a journey in search of his father.
Which other animated films have you seen and liked the best?
I love Lion King... In fact Jumbo has elements that Lion King had.
Is the film targeting kids only?
No... It is for everyone. You are never too old for animation movies. Jumbo isn't a mindless film. It has a definite storyline and a moral to the story which the audience will like. But yes... I'm doing this film completely for my kiddie audience.
Apart from Jumbo... what else do you have in the pipeline?
There's Blue with Akshay Kumar and Sanjay Dutt, then there is Billu Barber with Irrfan Khan and Shahrukh
"SRK is a hero, he worked when the city was burning" - Viveck Vaswani
By Joginder Tuteja, December 27, 2008 - 13:43 IST
Producer Viveck Vaswani can never forget the support that he got from Shah Rukh Khan during the filming of the last leg of Dulha Mil Gaya schedule that concluded a few days back.
"Shah Rukh Khan is a true hero. He came to do a film for a friend when the city was burning. He had a huge release round the corner (Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi) and there were quite a few odds against the film's shoot; still he made it possible", says Viveck Vaswani in a choked tone as he looks forward to filming the last song in February that would make Dulha Mil Gaya ready for release.
"While Shah Rukh Khan stood like a pillar of support, what the entire unit of Dulha Mil Gaya did for me was also simply unimaginable", adds Viveck.
"Sunil Patel - the DoP and Leela Chanda - the Art Director are the real heroes of the Shah Rukh schedule", he reminisces, "They did not sleep for 3 weeks non-stop. They were busy creating a luxury liner, the Port of Spain airport. They were shooting stunts while coordinating helicopters in the climax. They were putting up and dismantling sets even as they were working tirelessly like soldiers. This was commendable in the times when the city was burning with no transport, no trains, no autorickshaws, no shops open, no workers."
"Add to all of this a producer called Viveck Vaswani with barely enough money who was caught in the worst recession time in the industry", he chuckles, "Moreover, the industry too wasn't too kind even as it scoffed at me by stating that Shah Rukh Khan was no more a part of the film; he had walked out etc. etc. Some wish list here!"
Producer Viveck Vaswani can never forget the support that he got from Shah Rukh Khan during the filming of the last leg of Dulha Mil Gaya schedule that concluded a few days back.
"Shah Rukh Khan is a true hero. He came to do a film for a friend when the city was burning. He had a huge release round the corner (Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi) and there were quite a few odds against the film's shoot; still he made it possible", says Viveck Vaswani in a choked tone as he looks forward to filming the last song in February that would make Dulha Mil Gaya ready for release.
"While Shah Rukh Khan stood like a pillar of support, what the entire unit of Dulha Mil Gaya did for me was also simply unimaginable", adds Viveck.
"Sunil Patel - the DoP and Leela Chanda - the Art Director are the real heroes of the Shah Rukh schedule", he reminisces, "They did not sleep for 3 weeks non-stop. They were busy creating a luxury liner, the Port of Spain airport. They were shooting stunts while coordinating helicopters in the climax. They were putting up and dismantling sets even as they were working tirelessly like soldiers. This was commendable in the times when the city was burning with no transport, no trains, no autorickshaws, no shops open, no workers."
"Add to all of this a producer called Viveck Vaswani with barely enough money who was caught in the worst recession time in the industry", he chuckles, "Moreover, the industry too wasn't too kind even as it scoffed at me by stating that Shah Rukh Khan was no more a part of the film; he had walked out etc. etc. Some wish list here!"
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
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